In a ground-breaking move set to revolutionise the world of theme parks, Alton Towers Resort has unveiled plans to launch a roller coaster entirely dedicated to virtual reality.

Set to open in April 2016, Galactica is the world’s first roller coaster entirely customised for the full virtual reality experience, transforming riders into astronauts and plunging them into outer space with a G force more powerful than a real rocket launch.

The exhilarating new ride experience uniquely combines the physical exertion and adrenaline rush of Alton Towers Resort’s iconic flying roller coaster, with the breath-taking emotive experience of travelling through space.

Galactica is based on Air, an existing ride at Alton Towers that was originally developed by Swiss firm Bolliger & Mabillard.

The VR system that runs Galactica is called Vector VR, and has been entirely developed in the UK by Figment Productions of Guildford, Surrey. Cutting-edge technology to launch riders into a different world, complete with virtual space suits and exciting visuals.

Each rider wears a specialist VR headset. Through this, an on-board artificial intelligence guides them from the launch pad up into space, flying and looping beyond the stars, banking through wormholes and speeding across undiscovered galaxies, revealing the wonders of the cosmos in stunning clarity.

Speaking of the new attraction, Gill Riley, marketing director at Alton Towers Resort, said: “Galactica uses ground breaking technology to give riders a breath-taking and completely unique roller coaster experience.

“There is nowhere else in the world that people can experience the feeling of a flying rollercoaster combined with soaring through the universe. For two minutes, our guests will be transported into space and we believe Galactica showcases the future for theme parks around the world – it’s a complete game changer.”